Students from overseas can boost your firm

UK Trade & Investment is offering to help companies who want to arrange placements for international students to help boost their skills base.

The nationwide student placement scheme run by UKTI – Postgraduates for International Business – began in the summer.

It is already receiving applications from companies wanting to employ international students to help them overcome barriers to exporting.

The scheme provides access to languages, cultural and business knowledge in overseas markets. The Postgraduates for International Business programme started earlier this year. So far six North West companies have submitted applications – and language and culture adviser Sara Knowles has engaged 11 universities in the programme, including the University of Manchester and the University of Salford.

Sara said: “It is early days at the moment but universities are showing great interest in the programme. So far companies have requested assistance for projects requiring German, Brazilian Portuguese, South American Spanish and French speakers. Hiring an international student can help your company to address the language and cultural barriers associated with market entry and development and is a real asset to companies wishing to export.”